Francis Lopez powered University of the Philippines over National University, 78-60, to stay perfect in three games in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Fighting Maroons bucked a slow start to remain the only unbeaten team early in the tournament.

Lopez carried out a team-high 14 points and seven rebounds, while Malick Diouf finished with a third straight double-double performance of 12 points and 13 rebounds. 

After a dismal first-quarter run, UP regained footing and stayed ahead through the rest of the game. 

Jake Figueroa paced NU with a double-double showing of his own with 13 points and 10 rebounds as the Bulldogs absorbed a 2-1 record.